Performance Evaluation of Jute/Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) Hybrid Composites with Different Layering Configurations

Abstract

The hybridization of natural and synthetic fibers leads to composites’ optimum mechanical properties. In this study, an attempt was made to study the effect of the stacking sequence on PBS-based Glass-Jute (GJ) hybrid composites. Six types of hybrid composite, each containing five different layers of jute and glass fabric, were manufactured by the compression molding method. Mechanical properties, such as tensile, flexural, and impact resistance were studied and analyzed in detail. The surface characterization of the composites was performed through scanning electron microscopic images. The moisture absorption properties were also investigated by immersing the composites in distilled water for one week at ambient temperature. The TGA test was conducted to study their thermal properties. The experimental results showed that the stacking sequence of the fiber layers has a significant effect on the overall performance of GJ hybrid composites. Among the hybrid GJ composites, composites with glass fiber layers on their outer surfaces showed optimum mechanical, thermal, and water resistance properties.